creo chocolate — Local services in Portland

Let me start this off by saying that Creo Chocolate is quite possibly one of my favorite places on Earth.

I remember walking in during my first visit to Portland a few years ago. I was living in Seattle at the time, which is home to Theo Chocolate, so I felt like maybe I was in some alternate reality - a similar but different West Coast city, with a similar but different chocolate factory, right? Sort of, not really. Creo had its own charm and magic that really set it apart from any other place I'd been to in the past. They had everything that a chocolate lover like me could want: beautiful truffles, unique bars (with samples!), and plenty baked treats and decadent drinks to enjoy at their seating area. Since then, Creo has been a must-visit for me every time I'm in Portland.

In 2019, my mom and I got to attend one of their Make-a-Bar tours. It was delightful getting to learn about the whole bean-to-bar process, and it was fun putting together our own bars to take home. We still remember Janet's passion, friendliness, and positivity that day and definitely miss her dearly. We are so glad that Tim and Kevin are keeping Janet and Creo's story alive.

I'm now based on the East Coast but still order from Creo every now and then. My pantry always has to be stocked with my favorite Coffee & Cream White Chocolate bars and Midnight Truffle sipping chocolate. (If I'm down to just one bar, I start to get a little antsy and know it's time to put another order in!) I've also introduced several friends to their products, and they love them just as much as I do.

With the pandemic, I haven't been able to fly back to the West Coast in awhile, but for sure I'll be paying Creo a visit when I do. Until then, I'll just be here sipping my warm cup of...

On 12/11/24 my partner was kind enough to make a run into this store she’d found online for me as I prepared for an event. A bit disappointed I couldn’t go myself I eagerly asked her how the experience was & she said: Meh. I asked if the atmosphere was lackluster, she said not really, but that the experience was & ruined the whole vibe. She’s not a cook but a food enthusiast & eagerly went prepared with the simple details I’d given her. Simple assistants/willingness to genuinely help would have been appreciated & locked in a long term customer. It was early, & only two other customers were present, it would have been the perfect time to be engaging & show off this speciality store & all of its charm. There’s always room for grace towards new associates who aren’t as knowledgeable yet, but to be unwilling to assist, or take steps to educate yourself & the customer is beyond absurd. My partner ended up looking up & selecting the best alternatives for what this location didn’t have available. Charging nearly $50 on chocolate bars is totally fine, but to have people employed who aren’t ready to/don't want to be a service to the public isn’t. It’s rude & tacky. If you’re above the public then you wouldn’t be working with them, you’d be enjoying your trust fund money like the rest of the wealthy. Furthermore employing associates of this subpar standard is a horrible reflection on your establishment. Wouldn’t you think the public & your company deserves better? Maybe pull Aaron aside for a chat. Have...

Creo Chocolate in Portland is a delightful destination for chocolate lovers, deserving of a solid four-star rating. The highlight of the experience is undoubtedly the opportunity to create your own chocolate bar with a variety of delicious toppings, which was not only fun but also resulted in a delectable treat.

It's worth noting, however, that the owner's religious beliefs are quite evident in the establishment, which might be uncomfortable for some visitors. While it's important to respect individual perspectives, it's worth mentioning that those seeking a more secular environment may want to consider this aspect before visiting.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the owner's enthusiasm for sharing information could result in longer presentations, which might test the attention spans of some guests. While the passion and knowledge are admirable, a more concise approach might be appreciated, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the chocolate-making process without feeling overwhelmed or fatigued.

Nevertheless, Creo Chocolate remains a wonderful destination for chocolate enthusiasts. The high-quality chocolate, the opportunity to unleash your creativity with toppings, and the friendly staff make it a memorable experience. The minor considerations mentioned above do not overshadow the overall enjoyment of the visit, and I would still recommend Creo Chocolate as a worthwhile spot to indulge in the world of chocolate...